Tom Bagby

This month we present you with the boldest and most dynamic character we know in Birmingham.

Photographer: Brian Francis

Producer: Lindsay Garrett

Location: Avondale Park

We recognize him for not only his work in the community, but for his fearless spirit and vivid personality. He has been invaluable in the Birmingham music scene for some 26 years, establishing his presence as a musician, promoter, and organizer, and has been crucial in bringing bands like Fugazi, Neurosis, and Green Day to Birmingham. For the last four years, he has been an organizer for one of the biggest Birmingham music events of the summer, High Five Fest. In addition, every Thursday from 7–9 p.m. he can be heard hosting his own show, GET SOME!, on Substrate Radio. Known for his clever observations and writing skills, he is also a hefty contributor to Substrate Magazine.

But his resume does not end there; in fact, in includes quite a bit of culinary experience. During his tenure in the kitchen at Bottletree Cafe, he garnered awards for Best Vegan/Vegetarian in Birmingham Weekly in 2007 and 2008 and won the Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook Off in 2008. He has also played a significant role in the award-winning pop-up barbecue outfit known as the Barbecutioners.

But his most exciting culinary achievement will be unveiled this summer, right in the heart of Avondale. It’s called Hot Diggity Dogs and will offer dogs to suit every palate, from traditional toppings to the outlandish to those friendly for vegans. His mission is to remind Birmingham of our long-standing history with the frank and to woo us all back into an unrestrained love affair with the hot dog. If anyone can do it, he can.

His honest approach and his uniquely significant voice in our community are why we are excited to claim Tom Bagby as Birmingfamous.